U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal explained the importance of the safety equipment.

U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal explained the importance of the safety equipment.

By: Olivia PerreaultReminder News

East Hartford Fire Department demonstrates the need for life-saving equipment to state officials

Firefighters risk their lives every day on their job to protect citizens, but East Hartford firefighters feel they lack the necessary equipment to keep themselves safe.

On Monday, June 29, U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal and Congressman John Larson met with firefighters and local elected officials at East Harford's fire training facility to watch a demonstration of life-saving equipment.

Connecticut Fire Departments received 31 federal grants totaling $5.6 million in federal funds to purchase safety equipment, enhance training, and expand recruitment in 2014. These grants paid for items such as new radios, breathing equipment, modern gear to help firefighters quickly and safely exit buildings, fire trucks, carbon monoxide public awareness campaigns, and various other priorities.

East Hartford has received numerous federal fire grants, including a $298,431 grant last year to purchase 40 self-contained breathing apparatuses. Members of the fire department wanted to show officials the need for this equipment, and talk about some further safety and training needs.

Blumenthal, Larson, East Hartford Mayor Marcia Leclerc, and East Hartford Fire Chief John Oates spoke at the event at 1 p.m. The room was filled with police and firefighters.

To start, Blumenthal thanked all of the firefighters for going out every day and protecting the community. He explained how in May of 2014, the fire department received money for breathing apparatuses, and some people don't necessarily understand how important this equipment is. Blumenthal said that these breathing apparatuses save lives, and a failing breathing apparatus can lead to tragedy that is both unnecessary and inexcusable.

"We should provide the equipment with no questions asked," Blumenthal said to the firefighters. "We depend on your service to protect our lives."

He said that this equipment is not a luxury item, but essential. Blumenthal and Larson fought for increased grants for firefighters, supplying the department with 29 grants so far this year. Unfortunately, Blumenthal said that the money given so far is nowhere near enough, and vowed that he and Congressman Larson will continue to fight for better funding, vital equipment and higher grants in Washington.

Congressman Larson started his speech by saying that everyone would like to have the equipment that the fire service has been provided, but not even the current equipment is enough. He brought everyone back to the image of Sept. 11, 2001. Larson told everyone to think about the people that were going into the burning building as it was falling down around them, and said that this image underscores the necessity for this kind of equipment.

Larson also talked about Hartford firefighter Kevin Bell, who recently died after his tank ran out of air while fighting a house fire. Bell was the first firefighter in 40 years to die in the line of duty. Larson explained how these firefighters are going into harm's way for the sake of citizens and that they put their lives on the line daily for everyone else.

"I'm joining with Sen. Blumenthal to fight on your behalf," Larson told the East Hartford firefighters.

Mayor LeClerc said that the town of East Hartford was fortunate to receive the grants to build a new fire house and purchase new equipment, but people forget how important this is for the community.

Fire Chief Oates broke down the expenses so that people could fully understand why the fire service is asking for this much money. Using a local firefighter in full gear as a visual aid, Oates said that an entire suit, including a jacket, pants, helmet, gloves, breathing apparatus, thermal image camera, mask, boots, tools, portable radio, and escape harness reaches $24,170 for just one firefighter. The station has 130 firefighters, and they all need to be using the same equipment that is safe. Oates thanked Blumenthal and Larson for the help they have gotten so far, and reiterated that the station is still lacking supplies.